How to Build a Plexiglas Aquarium

Aquariums can be expensive to purchase but are simple to make with the right materials. Plexiglas is more cost-effective than glass when building an aquarium. Determine the size of the aquarium and the associated plumbing that will be required for the type of fish. The thickness of acrylic needed depends on the height of the tank, not the volume of water it will hold. A short tank can be quite long and still not require a thicker sheet of Plexiglas. The price of the acrylic goes up as the sheets get thicker.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium design plan
  • Sheets of acrylic cut to plan specifications
  • Utility knife
  • Masking tape
  • Acrylic glue
  • Syringe
  • Sawhorses
  • Aquarium-safe silicone
  • Ethylene chloride
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size and thickness of the Plexiglas sheets. Tanks up to 13 inches tall can be made with ¼-inch Plexiglas, 13- to 19-inch-tall tanks require 3/8-inch acrylic, and tanks from 19 inches to 24 inches require ½-inch-thick acrylic.

    • 2

      Purchase the cell-cast acrylic from a reputable acrylic shop. Be specific on the type of acrylic. Have the shop make the cuts and measure the final product to ensure the cuts are accurate.

    • 3

      Pull the protective covering back from the edges of the Plexiglas. Smooth the edges of the acrylic with the back of a utility knife. Do not cut into the plastic.

    • 4

      Tape the sides to the bottom with 4-inch-long strips of masking tape. Place the tape horizontally across the joint to hold the two pieces in place. Tape the sides together with masking tape. Do not press the pieces together tightly. A loose angle will allow the glue to fill the gaps and create a stronger seal.

    • 5

      Fill the syringe with the glue. Gently run the syringe along the inside of the first joint around the aquarium bottom. The glue should spread in between the two pieces of acrylic. Do no apply the glue along the vertical seams. Shine a light through the seam to find any gaps and fill them immediately. Allow the glue to dry for at least four hours.

    • 6

      Turn the tank on its side and seal the horizontal seams. Allow four hours to dry and repeat for the opposite side of the tank and allow to dry four hours.

    • 7

      Check all seams to ensure there are no gaps or bubbles. If there are gaps or large groups of bubbles, seal all seams from the outside with methylene chloride . Apply with a syringe. Wait 24 hours before adding water to the tank.